At a Glance
- Tasks: Support innovative businesses in scaling globally through tailored advice and mentorship.
- Company: Join East Midlands Chamber, a leading organisation enhancing local businesses and communities.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, flexible working, wellbeing support, and a non-contributory pension scheme.
- Other info: This role offers agile working and opportunities for personal development.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team driving innovation and growth in the Midlands' business landscape.
- Qualifications: Experience in high-growth environments and strategic consultancy is essential.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 42000 £ per year.
East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire) is a well-respected and award winning membership, representation and business support organisation that aims to enhance businesses and communities in the three cities and three counties. With more than 4,100 members and working with 12,000 businesses each year, we have established a reputation as the voice of the region’s business community.
Job title: Innovation & Growth Specialist
Salary: £42,500 to £45,000 per annum (dependant on experience and qualifications). Pro rata for part time
Based at: Nottingham, Chesterfield, Derby or Leicester with agile working. Additional travel required within the geography and occasionally nationally or internationally
Contract: Permanent, full-time (35 hours per week). Part-time at a minimum of 21 hours per week over 3 days (Monday to Friday) also considered
1. WHY THE POST EXISTS
Can you seek and identify businesses with ideas and ambitions to succeed on a global scale? Do you have experience of exceeding expectations and delivering impactful business support in the Midlands? If so, you could be our next team member.
As part of the Chamber’s Innovation Services team, you will focus on delivering bespoke business support to Innovate UK Business Growth clients who want to grow and scale at pace. Your task is to seek and identify businesses with ideas and ambitions to succeed on a global scale.
This role operates as an experienced coach, mentor, critical friend and champion for a group of clients. Knowledge of UK Government Future Economies is vital, as is an understanding of investment raising in order to deliver impactful support across the region.
This contract is funded through Innovate UK until 31 March 2026.
2. THE KEY AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY
- To provide innovation and business advice to a portfolio of growth and scale clients.
- To make a significant contribution to the development of competitiveness of East Midlands businesses across the UK and global markets.
- Acting as a strategic coach and mentor to SME clients to support them in developing their own long-term growth and innovation commercialisation plans.
- Providing an account management function for the delivery of business support services, that enable clients to enhance their innovation management capacity.
- Using business analysis tools to review client needs and provide tailored support through Innovate UK Business Growth services and wider Ecosystem of business support.
- Focusing on supporting the most ambitious, high-growth potential innovative SMEs to benefit from national and global opportunities.
- Providing information and guidance on exploit innovation. Signposting or referring to professional support as required.
3. IDEALLY APPLICANTS WILL POSSESS
- Business experience at a senior level within the high-growth and R&D business environment.
- Strategic and management or consultancy experience in the commercialisation of ideas, including IP, access to investment finance and internationalisation.
- Assessing risk through analysis of business plans, financial accounts, and other supporting information.
- Interpreting outputs of business diagnostic and benchmarking tools, developing action plans to support growth and scale.
- Critical appraisal of bids for innovation funding.
- Understanding of the business support landscape, together with funding and support available through Innovate UK.
4. WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT IN RETURN
- 25 days holiday plus bank holidays each year (pro rata for part time).
- 8% non-contributory pension scheme.
- Wellbeing support including access to Westfield Health plan, Mental Health First Aiders, self help toolkits, discounts and more.
- Your Birthday off plus an extra day of leave after 5 and 10 years\' service.
- Life assurance (death in service support scheme) for your beneficiaries.
- Dress for the day policy and agile working practices (role dependent).
- 2 CSR days to take per year (volunteering activity).
- Access to tax-free childcare and Bike2Work schemes.
- Special leave for bereavement, compassionate leave & dependent related time off.
- Learning and development opportunities.
- Flexibility to take unpaid leave, paid study leave & special leave for territorial army.
- Recognition and engagement schemes including our Our Stars.
- Tax free 45p per business mile for cars (up to 10,000 miles per year).
5. HOW TO APPLY
If you have an enthusiastic approach to your work and feel you could make a significant contribution to our organisation, we would like to hear from you.
Please visit East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire) job vacancies website. Unfortunately we cannot accept applications from this platform for compliance purposes.
The closing date for applications is ongoing (we close ongoing adverts once sufficient applications are received).
6. COMPANY STATEMENT
See Chamber website.
Innovation & Growth Specialist employer: East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire)
East Midlands Chamber is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters innovation and growth. With a strong commitment to employee wellbeing, competitive benefits including a generous holiday allowance, and opportunities for professional development, we empower our team to make a meaningful impact on the business community across the East Midlands. Our agile working practices and supportive culture ensure that every member can thrive while contributing to the success of ambitious SMEs in the region.
Contact Details:
East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire) Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Innovation & Growth Specialist
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in innovation and growth within the UK business landscape. Understanding the specific challenges and opportunities faced by SMEs in the East Midlands will help you engage effectively during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the innovation and business support sectors. Attend local events or webinars hosted by East Midlands Chamber or similar organisations to build connections that could provide insights and potentially lead to referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with business analysis tools and how you've used them to support client growth. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've helped businesses scale, as this will demonstrate your capability for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Innovate UK and its funding opportunities thoroughly. Being able to articulate how you can leverage these resources for client benefit will set you apart as a candidate who understands the landscape and can deliver impactful support.
We think you need these skills to ace Innovation & Growth Specialist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role:Before you start writing your application, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Innovation & Growth Specialist position. Tailor your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the key areas of responsibility outlined in the job description.
Craft a Compelling CV:Your CV should clearly showcase your relevant experience, particularly in high-growth and R&D environments. Use specific examples to demonstrate your strategic and management skills, as well as your ability to support businesses in their growth and innovation journeys.
Write a Strong Cover Letter:In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the role and the organisation. Highlight your understanding of the UK Government Future Economies and your experience in investment raising. Make sure to explain how you can contribute to the Chamber's mission of supporting businesses in the East Midlands.
Proofread Your Application:Before submitting your application, take the time to proofread it carefully. Check for any spelling or grammatical errors, and ensure that your documents are formatted professionally. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.
How to prepare for a job interview at East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire)
✨Research the Organisation
Before your interview, take some time to understand East Midlands Chamber's mission, values, and recent initiatives. This will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate your genuine interest in contributing to their goals.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past roles that highlight your experience in innovation, business growth, and client management. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers effectively.
✨Understand the Business Support Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the UK Government Future Economies and the various funding options available through Innovate UK. Being knowledgeable about these topics will show that you are well-prepared and can provide valuable insights.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions to ask at the end of your interview. Inquire about the Chamber's future projects, challenges they face in supporting SMEs, or how they measure success in their innovation services. This demonstrates your engagement and strategic thinking.
